A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-140, regarding Harvard Square plaza area safety improvements

November 19, 2019 To: Louis DePasquale City Manager From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department Joseph Barr, Director Traffic, Parking & Transportation Katherine F Watkins, City Engineer Department of Public Works Re: Awaiting Report 19-140, dated October 7, 2019 regarding the Harvard Square plaza area safety improvements Following the recent fatality in Harvard Square, city staff have taken a closer look at the Super Crosswalk area (pedestrian crossing between the Kiosk and the Harvard Coop) to determine if additional safety measures could be incorporated into the scope of the reconstruction of the plaza. To that end, city staff have identified traffic signal changes that support travel lane reductions and improve safety for all users. The changes will simplify the overall operation of the intersection; reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians; provide additional plaza space; and improve the merge for cyclists and motorists travelling towards Porter Square. City staff are currently developing these designs and will be holding a community meeting in early December.